Published
August 28, 2025
Updated
August 3, 2026
This YouTube settlement resolves claims that the Face Blur tool processed Illinois users’ biometric data without the notice and consent BIPA requires; the first approved payment round has been sent.
Current Status
Claims are closed. The deadline was November 30, 2025. The official settlement website reports that the initial distribution has been sent to eligible class members with approved claims and will post information about any future distribution.StatusPayments in progress
Claim deadlineNovember 30, 2025
Settlement fund$6,022,500
Original estimateAbout $200 pro rata
What the Lawsuit Alleged
The lawsuit alleged that YouTube's Face Blur feature involved facial-recognition technology and collected or stored biometric data without the notice and consent required by the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. YouTube and Google denied violating the law and maintained that Face Blur is a privacy-protective tool.Free settlement alerts
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Who Was Included
The settlement class generally covered YouTube users who resided in Illinois and uploaded a video on which the Face Blur feature was run. Residence in Illinois and use of the built-in tool were material eligibility requirements.How the Payment Was Calculated
The notice estimated an award of about $200 per valid claim, but the actual amount was a pro rata share of the net $6,022,500 fund after court-approved fees, expenses, administration costs, and other deductions. The estimate was not a guaranteed payment amount.What Approved Claimants Should Do
An eligible claimant who expected an approved payment but did not receive one should use the official settlement website's administrator contact process. Claimants should keep their approval and payment records because later distributions, if any, will follow the administrator's records and court-approved terms.Open Class Actions cannot confirm an individual claim, resend a payment, or change a delivery method.
Official Information
Review the payment update and case documents on the YouTube Face Blur BIPA Settlement website.
Settlement Amount
$6,022,500
Case Title
Colombo v. YouTube, LLC and Google LLC
Case Number
3:22-cv-06987-JD
Court
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
Claim Deadline
November 30, 2025
Administrator
Verita
Official Website
YouTube Face Blur BIPA Settlement
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